The world is reeling under the COVID pandemic. Millions are affected and many are dying. There is a huge scarcity of medicines, hospital beds, oxygen, and so on. There is chaos everywhere. The second wave has been like an explosion in India. 3 hundred thousand people are getting infected daily. The Maitri practitioners are also inundated with healing requests. Yesterday, I received a healing from a person from Delhi. A very well known figure in his profession who also works for our foundation. He had tested COVID positive and was worried about his wife and three children. He requested healing for his family. I immediately agreed.
To understand the degree of infection, we usually scan the aura of the person during the mai-tri session and look for patches that penetrate it. But what unfolded was truly an eye opener and amazing. In this session, I could see a white layer like a protection shield around the family that was saving them from the COVID effects. It looked strange because I had never seen it before. I prayed to Mohanji for clarity. I saw various animals (cows, dogs, cats, pigs, goats, and so on, encircling them and and giving them protection. These animals were absorbing all the effects of covid virus to keep the family safe. On further enquiry, it was disclosed that this family has an animal shelter on the outskirts of Delhi where they take care of abandoned, old and sick animals as their own family. Some are rescued from butchers. Some are disabled and diseased. All are well taken care of as family members. In fact, the wife knows each of them by name and the animals respond in kind to her loving attention.
It was revealed that these innocent and beautiful beings came forward to protect the family in return to what the family had done for them. This was overwhelming and I had tears rolling down my eyes. It was an eye opener. The infection level for this gentleman was very high but he has no symptoms except for low grade fever for thirty minutes three days ago. None of the other family members had any symptoms. Someone may ask why would they get infected in the first place if they were protected? Mohanji showed me that this person had fear of the pandemic which weakened his protection shield allowing the virus to enter the body easily. Now I realise why Mohanji stresses on connection to Mother Earth and its beings, and doing annadaan (food donation) for the hungry and needy.
Our misplaced ego of superiority has completely detached us from Mother Nature and our fellow beings. We torture and butcher animals for the paltry pleasure of a few mins. These innocent ones cannot even complain about the heinous torture that they have been suffering at the hands of humans for years. Animals, forests, oceans, mountains – none have been spared by humans. It’s time to wake up and look into the mirror. Nature has turned the tables on us. The fear and pain we gave and still continue to give, to the beings is coming back to us as COVID. The isolation, pain, suffering felt by these he[pless beings for years is now being felt by us for the first time. We are forcibly confined to our homes just as we confined poor helpless beings in zoos for our entertainment. The virus is almost like nature’s vengeance that has shaken the entire human world. Have you wondered why none of the other beings are affected?
Mohanji has said that we have to start walking backwards. Connect with nature and start to respect other fellow beings. Think of becoming vegan or at least vegetarian so that we eat with awareness and ensure that our food is not the cause for another being’s pain or suffering. Imagine babies being snatched away from their mothers and kept hungry so we can consume that milk and milk products. I feel that if we lose this chance, we will be left with nothing for ourselves and the coming generations.
I thank Mohanji from the bottom of my heart for this beautiful experience.
On this apt occasion of Earth day. let’s pledge to do at least one good thing for Mother Nature and its beings everyday.
|| JAI BRAHMARISHI MOHANJI||
Edited & Published by – Testimonials Team, 22nd April 2021
Disclaimer:
The views, opinions, and positions expressed by the authors and those providing comments on these blogs are theirs alone and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or positions of Mohanji, Mohanji Foundation, it’s members, employees or any other individual or entity associated with Mohanji or Mohanji Foundation. We make no representations as to accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of any information presented by individual authors and/or commenters on our blogs and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries or damages arising from its display or use.
We reserve the right to delete, edit, or alter in any manner we see fit blog entries or comments that we, in our sole discretion, deem to be obscene, offensive, defamatory, threatening, in violation of trademark, copyright or other laws, of an express commercial nature, or otherwise unacceptable.
Annadaan – feeding hungry stomachs is beyond any boundaries of species, caste and creed. When one feeds hungry beings, purification happens. This is why Annadaan is considered as Mahadaan – a donation of the highest stature. Especially when done on certain auspicious occasions, Annadaan brings immense fulfilment.
In my role as President of Ammucare, I have been fortunate to be in the middle of continuous Annadaan for a long time. Especially since the onset of the Covid pandemic, I have witnessed and observed several miracles. I would like to share one such amazing incident that happened yesterday (19/4/2021) in Haridwar, the venue for this year’s Kumbh Mela festival.
With Mohanji’s guidance, Ammucare has organised daily feeding for the Sadhus (wandering saints) at the Kumbh Mela as this is a divine opportunity to serve. Especially with the challenges due to the Covid situation, doing this seva consistently has been a challenge; several hurdles have come up. However, our determination to continue this seva (service) has been strong since Mohanji explained the purpose of this seva in clear terms. The Kumbh Mela is a special occasion when several elevated saints, otherwise deep in their sadhana in the Himalayas and elsewhere, come down to mingle with the common folk and shower their blessings.
Mohanji also guided us on the right attitude to conduct this seva – “Serve everyone like you are serving a Royal or God. The food should be of the highest quality. The attitude should be of complete reverence and respect. You never know who could be receiving your food – it could be Sai Baba, Mahavatar Babaji or any other deity. Don’t be deceived by outward appearances. Thank everyone you are serving from the bottom of your heart.”
Thanks to the dedication of our local volunteers and our generous donors, we have been serving food to people for almost ten days now. I must especially call out the contributions of Savitri Chitrapu, our Ammucare coordinator, and Mr Vasudev Sharma (Sharmaji), the Ammucare coordinator on the ground in Haridwar, in enabling this noble seva. Whenever we have not been able to serve, we have arranged for food packets to be made and distributed to people at various locations in Haridwar. Within a week, our team had managed to serve over 1000 meals.
Once we started our Annadaan at Kumbh, Mohanji advised us to serve the Sadhus at Har Ki Pauri, the most auspicious bathing Ghat in Haridwar. He guided us that saints of the highest stature would tend to congregate there, and we should not miss the opportunity to serve them. However, as we started working on this, the government imposed a weekend lockdown, and our activities were delayed.
Yesterday (on 19th April 2021), it became possible for us to arrange for this Annadaan at Har Ki Pauri. Sharmaji and a few other volunteers prepared around 100 food packets and took an auto-rickshaw (three-wheeler) to deliver this to the Sadhus at Har Ki Pauri. Sharmaji narrates his experience below.
“It was about 6 pm and getting dark. Shortly before we were about to reach the Ghat, on a quiet and dark road, we spotted a Naga Sadhu by the roadside, next to a forest area; he was calling out to us ‘Hey, where are you taking the food; bring it to us. This food is for us.’ Not taking him seriously, we turned a deaf ear and continued on our journey. However, a few moments later, our auto-rickshaw stopped, and even when we tried to push it, it would not start again. We noticed that the Naga Sadhu had come close to our auto-rickshaw and was repeating what he said earlier, “Your auto will not move forward. Food which has been sent for us cannot go to Har Ki Pauri!”
By now, we realised that this call was not to be ignored. There was something electrifying about that person. So we parked the auto-rickshaw by the side of the road, took the food packets out and followed the Naga Sadhu into the forest. As we walked deeper into the jungle, it became darker, and suddenly, the few street lights went off too. Soon we saw a group of 11 Naga Sadhus gathered there! They were waiting for the feast! They were chanting and singing songs on Lord Shiva and Lord Dattatreya.
We were totally mesmerised to witness this divine atmosphere. After offering prayers, we quickly served the food packets to all the Naga Sadhus there. We took care to offer the food with respect, and the sadhus blessed us as they accepted the food. Some of them even had second servings! While serving the food, I just mentioned to them that this Annadaan was happening with the guidance and advice of Guru Mohanji.
One of the Sadhus said, “He is an Avadhoota. You will never understand him. He is beyond your comprehension and understanding. You do not know his grandeur. We know your Guru is far away, but wherever you look, you will see him. He is everywhere. Yes, he will come to Haridwar next year. Good that the food has reached us.”
I had goosebumps after I heard the Sadhus speak such high praise about Mohanji! The Sadhu then asked, ‘Where is the dakshina?’ We immediately offered dakshina (respectful offering of money) to all the Sadhus. Then one of the Sadhus said, “Child, you give us dakshina today but remember it would reach someone by tomorrow. Hmm, the food was meant for us.”
After feeding the Sadhus, we walked back to our auto-rickshaw on the road. It was very dark by now, but we were in a different world altogether, still trying to assimilate this miraculous and divine experience. The experience was not yet over, though! As soon as we started the auto-rickshaw, it started immediately, without any further push or effort. The same auto had refused to move sometime back when we were in a hurry to reach Har ki Pauri! Just as it had stopped automatically, it started automatically too!
With absolute awe and contentment, we returned home safely with just one expression – Thank you, Mohanji, for giving us this opportunity.”
When Sharmaji narrated this incident to Savitri and me, I had goosebumps too. This place is not unknown to Sharmaji or the others, but no one had spotted these Naga Sadhus there before! In fact, Sharmaji and the team went to the same location today (20/4/21) to serve the Naga Sadhus again, but there was no trace of anyone there, just a few dogs in the vicinity.
I could only then think back to several other occasions where grace has made the toughest of sevas possible – be it Annadaan or disaster relief or clothing drives or so many other activities of Ammucare. It also served to remind me of a couple of important lessons:
Like many others, I may not recognise or fathom Mohanji’s stature. However, statements about his stature and grandeur from a Naga Sadhu are a timely reminder that there is much that my eyes can’t see or my mind can’t process. After all, this saint has never met us before, and neither are we likely to see him again. He is a renunciate with no interest in the material world. So what motive could he have in describing Mohanji? Perhaps it was just to open our eyes to higher dimensions and piece together facets of Mohanji’s grand plan to raise the entire Earth’s vibrations.
It gave me greater clarity as to why Mohanji gives certain directions. Time and again, I have seen that his directives often seem extremely challenging at the outset. But when we take the right steps with full faith, doors open, and the road ahead becomes clearer. After all, if I had not persevered with the effort to serve at Har Ki Pauri, this entire experience might have been lost to us. This additional clarity not only helps us serve better but, more importantly, helps us receive much more grace and blessings. Before I conclude, I would like to pose a few questions for your contemplation:
Why was the Naga sadhu waiting by the road, just when our vehicle was to pass by?
Why did he stop just our vehicle? How did he know us?
How did the Sadhu know that food was being taken in the auto (when it was not visible from outside, and certainly not from a distance)?
How did he say, “This food is not meant to go to Har Ki Pauri”, when we had not told him our plans
Why did the auto not move at that moment but moved easily later in the evening from that same spot?
How did the Sadhus recognise Mohanji? Or that he is far away? (Our coordinators had not told them that Mohanji was currently in Europe)
What made them describe Mohanji as an Avadhoota? Was it sheer chance that they were singing songs on Lord Dattatreya, the Tradition that Mohanji represents?
What did he mean by saying the dakshina would reach someone by tomorrow?
Who were these Masters? Where did they come from?
Why was nobody there today? Did they go somewhere else? Or did they vanish?
I have been thinking about this since yesterday. I came to the conclusion that these Sadhus were divine for sure, however unbelievable it might seem to my thinking mind. We have heard and seen that all the great Masters come for Kumbh ever since it began. I have experienced this in earlier Kumbh Melas (Nashik in 2015 and Prayagraj in 2019), and this experience was another confirmation of that experience. It was also a reminder that Mohanji is at the Kumbh Mela through us, and he is doing his work.
Do contemplate a little, and you will understand what we witnessed, and you will experience it too.
My deepest gratitude to Mohanji, for giving us this eye-opening experience.
PS: If anyone would like to contribute to the Annadaan at Kumbh Mela, you can do so at bit.ly/ammucare or contribute via Paytm https://paytm.com/helpinghand/ammucare-charitable-trust. For any other questions, please write to us at donations @ammucare.org.
|| JAI BRAHMARISHI MOHANJI||
Edited & Published by – Testimonials Team, 20th April 2021
Disclaimer:
The views, opinions, and positions expressed by the authors and those providing comments on these blogs are theirs alone and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or positions of Mohanji, Mohanji Foundation, it’s members, employees or any other individual or entity associated with Mohanji or Mohanji Foundation. We make no representations as to accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of any information presented by individual authors and/or commenters on our blogs and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries or damages arising from its display or use.
We reserve the right to delete, edit, or alter in any manner we see fit blog entries or comments that we, in our sole discretion, deem to be obscene, offensive, defamatory, threatening, in violation of trademark, copyright or other laws, of an express commercial nature, or otherwise unacceptable.
Kumbh Mela was always a dream since childhood and to be able to attend this someday was indeed a big milestone in my life. Due to the grace of the Tradition, I had the opportunity of doing my first Kumbh in the year 2015 in Nasik with Mohanji and again in 2019 in Prayag. I had read about the Kumbh in Prayag in the book ‘The Autobiography of a Yogi’. I would imagine the visuals of how it would be to be there in person but never knew one day I would physically attend one.
Since the time ‘Kumbh with Mohanji’ was announced, I was eagerly looking forward to this yatra (pilgrimage). However, to complete this desire I went through a lot of hurdles for months. Amidst all the circumstances when my wish was fulfilled, I realised that it was purely my Guru Mohanji’s grace which makes sure that all our wishes and desires are fulfilled.
In August 2018, my grandma (94 years of age) had a fall and fractured her hip. Following surgery, her health condition required our full-time care for her. At the same time, I also came to know of a close relative’s wedding planned for February 2019, exactly coinciding with the dates of the Kumbh Mela pilgrimage.
My hopes of doing Kumbh with Mohanji in Prayag came shattering down. Needless to say that I was disappointed but surrendered to my Guru and consoled myself that maybe this was not the time for me. A few days later, I had an early morning dream where I share with Mohanji my desire to attend the Kumbh. Soon after, I heard that the wedding had been advanced by a month and that meant it would have been completed before the Kumbh Mela pilgrimage. I was taken aback and knew that Mohanji had heard me. Although I was elated at the chance of doing the Kumbh with Mohanji, I was still unsure if I could surely make it, as my granny was bedridden and still needed our full-time care.
As the months progressed, we had some more issues in the family front, losing some close relatives. There was a lot of grief and sadness in the family. Amidst all this, I still had the desire to do the Kumbh which got rekindled when I happened to speak with Preethi Gopalarathnam one day in Dec 2018. When I expressed my deep desire to attend the Kumbh Mela with Mohanji to my dad, he encouraged me. Finally, by the end of Dec 2018, I booked my place on the pilgrimage.
Just before starting my journey, one day while caring for my granny and brushing her teeth, she bit my finger hard which later developed into an infection. I noticed swelling and heaviness in my finger accompanied by pain. The doctor put me on antibiotics right away. Normally I am a hyper person but was very cool about this situation. I wasn’t sure if I would get any medical aid at a place like Kumbh but with Mohanji’s grace all was taken care of and I received the required care by the medical facilities available at the Parmarth Niketan camp where we stayed.
Mohanji had even made sure that my travel to Kumbh was taken care of. I had the amazing company of two sisters travelling from South Africa during my train journey from Mumbai.
Even when our train was delayed, we had help from strangers who guided us to get down at the right station. Despite issues with local commuting, we finally arrived at our destination safe and sound. I was so amazed to realise how well Mohanji took care at every step making the journey comfortable and making my dream come true.
Immense gratitude to Mohanji for everything that he does for us. My journey to Kumbh was only possible because of his grace. Now I would like to rewind a bit and share what I was going through during the time of the plan to the Kumbh Mela.
I was going through a lot of emotional and mental issues since the end of Dec 2015. My mind kept telling me that everyone around me disliked me. I felt unwanted and I felt that I should keep away from everyone. I went through this negative phase for a long time, alienating myself from those around me. These thoughts were empowering and seemed to be so real. These thoughts were eating me up. I remembered during the Pune retreat, Mohanji telling me that I was possessed by entities, but at that time I did not understand what he meant. It was only during Khumb while listening to someone else’s experience, I could relate to the phase I underwent.
I did many pilgrims/retreats with Mohanji while going through this phase. It was only after the Bosnia retreat, I noticed a transformation in myself and thoughts became more positive.
Right from the first time I met Mohanji, I was unable to speak with him freely, the way others do. I would become tongue-tied when in front of him. I would want to say a lot to him but when in front of him I would get nervous and go blank. A part of me kept telling me I am not worthy to be in his presence and should maintain a distance. Maybe he does not want me to be near him. Hence many times I have lost opportunities of being in his proximity. It is much easier to talk to his picture or communicate with him mentally.
After one such trip to Kurnool, I felt that Mohanji was avoiding me and ignoring me. Every time I met him I would hope that he talks to me like he does with others. Even this time I was hoping he would talk to me, take notice of me. Now when I look back, these thoughts seem so silly.
After this background, now fast forward to the Kumbh.
As mentioned earlier I had hurt my finger and was hoping that at least once Mohanji would enquire about it. Finally, on the day of the homa when my turn came to do pranams to Mohanji (at first I felt he wouldn’t speak with me but he did), he enquired about my finger and made fun of it (I loved him pulling my leg) but as usual, despite wanting to reply, I just kept murmuring as I was unable to speak. But I was happy with the thought that he spoke with me.
Throughout the Kumbh, I had a burning desire to ask Mohanji if he was upset with me, why he ignored me and wanted to apologize to him if knowingly or unknowingly I had hurt him. I also wanted to thank him for all that he had done for me. I had put in a request if I could meet him for a few minutes so that I may convey my apologies to him. Then we were told that he will not be doing one on one meeting but would meet people in groups of 4. Now, I just didn’t know what to say to him in front of others. As usual, I was feeling very nervous before meeting him and was going blank. When I met him, I expressed my gratitude to him with tears in my eyes and got my bracelet and paduka blessed by him. I was finding it very difficult to speak to him. He mentioned to our group that the dip he had with our group was the best amongst the three dips and that he did a lot of mental and spiritual cleansing along with a lot of cleansing for ancestors for some. I somehow managed to tell him that after the Bosnia retreat, the panic attacks that I had been suffering from had stopped. Since returning from Bosnia, I had got these attacks only twice, but the intensity was much less. Earlier, I would choke when I got these attacks, gasp for breath along with spells of giddiness. Mohanji said that he did a lot of cleansing this time.
I remembered that during the Kailash Yatra, it was easy for me to take more than 10-15 dips in the freezing water of Mansarovar lake, but at the Kumbh, after Mohanji poured water on me thrice, I was gripped with the fear of not being able to take the dips. I was shaking with fear and was in tears and then Preethi Gopalarathnam helped me take the dips. Thanks to her I managed to take 5-6 dips. I don’t know what this was but now when I look back, I realise it must have been the cleansing that he did.
After an exhilarating Kumbh trip, we left early in the morning for the Varanasi airport. We had an afternoon flight to catch but keeping the traffic in mind, we left early. At the airport, I connected with a participant with whom I hardly interacted throughout the trip. It was 3 of us sharing our experiences. It was then I understood the significance of sharing experiences and why Mohanji emphasizes on the same. I got answers to many questions that were bothering me. I realized that I was not the only one who was getting these thoughts of being ignored. Others have also felt the same. I was surprised at myself for the answers I came up with for questions such as why I felt Mohanji was ignoring me. I realized it was he who was talking and not me. I was just the medium. He gave replies to my queries through me and that too in the presence of those who felt the same. Many more thoughts that were common with others were cleared.
Since my return from the pilgrimage, I feel my awareness level has increased. I only pray that this is a permanent transformation and not temporary. Only time will tell. For me, the Kumbh experience was more about understanding myself and my thoughts. I feel more positive now. I feel I am more accepting of others and I am not holding on to the past. All thanks to Baba and Mohanji for their grace. Immense gratitude to the Masters of our Tradition.
|| JAI BRAHMARISHI MOHANJI||
Compiled, Edited & Published by – Testimonials Team, 20th February 2020
Disclaimer:
The views, opinions, and positions expressed by the authors and those providing comments on these blogs are theirs alone and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or positions of Mohanji, Mohanji Foundation, it’s members, employees or any other individual or entity associated with Mohanji or Mohanji Foundation. We make no representations as to accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of any information presented by individual authors and/or commenters on our blogs and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries or damages arising from its display or use.
We reserve the right to delete, edit, or alter in any manner we see fit blog entries or comments that we, in our sole discretion, deem to be obscene, offensive, defamatory, threatening, in violation of trademark, copyright or other laws, of an express commercial nature, or otherwise unacceptable.
These words I have heard from Mohanji time and again. When leaving a retreat, it is usually his last words to us. But how much do we comprehend this? Do we understand the real depth of that message?
In the Serbian retreat 2019, Mohanji used an analogy for the experience. He took a sweet from the prasad plate and held it up while saying:
‘I can explain to you the taste of the sweet, but if you have not tasted it, you will never know what I am talking about’.
True! Then, what is he talking about when he says, “I am always with you?”
Most of us who have participated in a retreat with Mohanji, feel sad when the retreat comes to an end, wondering when we will have the next opportunity to be in his physical presence. We might feel pangs of separation, even though we know far too well that we should connect more to his Consciousness. But still, this illusion of duality holds us in its grip.
Please let me share with you some incidents that occurred to me each time on leaving a retreat.
On the last day of the Kumbh Mela 2019 in Prayagraj, devotees waited outside Mohanji’s residence to wish him goodbye. He hugged everyone and to me, he said:
‘Don’t worry, we will see each other.’
At that point, I had not told him about my plan of going to Jammu to attend his next public satsang the following day.
Everything seemed to be in order, a flight ticket was purchased, and a hotel for the night was booked as well. I ordered an Ola cab to pick me up early. Long story short, in the morning two cars cancelled and the third could only drive very slowly, so I missed my flight. The next flight available was not direct; so the prospect of attending the satsang was rapidly decreasing. I was in a bad state of mind. Over and over again, I would ask Mohanji how he could say, “Don’t worry, we’ll see each other,” when the situation was like this. I tried to convince myself that Mohanji means what he says. If it wasn’t for his promise the day before, I would have given up. Luckily, I arrived in time to attend the last hour of the satsang, thanks to Mamu picking me up from the airport.
The next story begins after the satsang in Slovenia. I was to catch a flight from Zagreb, Croatia, the next day, but I didn’t know how to get there late in the evening after the event. That was why I had not booked a place to stay in Zagreb either. Luckily, another devotee offered me a lift and a place for the night, but later she declined. What to do now? Then all of a sudden, Kristina called me saying she met a man outside the hotel who would like to give me a lift to Zagreb and furthermore to stay with him in his hotel room which had a spare bed. I was, of course, happy for the opportunity that was given to me. There was only one thing that worried me: nobody from the family knew this guy. Could I trust him?
The satsang ended and I got a few minutes with Mohanji before leaving, and he said ‘I am with you.’ Then off I went into the night with a perfect stranger in his car to Zagreb. Mohanji’s promise I could not take lightly. It was a marvelous drive with satsang for hours. Everything went smoothly; the guy was very kind and polite. Next morning, he took me for breakfast in a café before driving me to the bus station. He mentioned it was the will of God.
The last incident happened a few days back. I returned home from the Serbian retreat at Mt. Kapaonik, but my key to the apartment was gone. I searched my bags in vain. I wasn’t too worried though, because I left a spare key with a friend.
I collected the key and entered after unlocking the entrance to the stairwell. When getting to the top floor where I live, to my surprise I found that the missing key was sitting outside the door in the keyhole. It had been sitting there for almost 3 weeks.
I started wondering if the money I left inside from conducting Mai-Tri sessions was still in the box next to Mohanji’s photo. But everything was intact, nothing missing. Indeed Mohanji had taken care of the situation while we were both in Serbia. He is to be fully trusted.
So what does it mean when we experience these plays of the Master?
I think it is not merely a matter of someone strong (Mohanji) helping some poor or weak person in need. Nor is it a matter of us receiving protection, help and comfort in a time of despair.
In my point of view, Mohanji not only gracefully led me to overcome my doubts, to trust him and surrender to the situation, but also made me realise that I have faith, and I can handle whatever comes my way. This was only possible because I dared to believe that he is always with me.
I could never understand what he means when he says that he is always with us, had he not gifted me with these experiences. And yes, the taste is sweet, just like he explained! Because of the experiences, I now know the taste of him being with me.
Such experiences allow us to open up in gratitude and have faith in the Master, who then can work on us in return. Maybe one day, we will get to understand the even subtler levels of being with him.
I would like to conclude with this quote from Mohanji.
I see you when you see me. I see you even when you don’t see me. I am always with you, watching you, protecting you.
|| JAI BRAHMARISHI MOHANJI||
Compiled, Edited & Published by – Testimonials Team, 21st November 2019
Disclaimer:
The views, opinions, and positions expressed by the authors and those providing comments on these blogs are theirs alone and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or positions of Mohanji, Mohanji Foundation, it’s members, employees or any other individual or entity associated with Mohanji or Mohanji Foundation. We make no representations as to accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of any information presented by individual authors and/or commenters on our blogs and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries or damages arising from its display or use.
We reserve the right to delete, edit, or alter in any manner we see fit blog entries or comments that we, in our sole discretion, deem to be obscene, offensive, defamatory, threatening, in violation of trademark, copyright or other laws, of an express commercial nature, or otherwise unacceptable.
Man thinks, God directs! This was experienced by Shivani Sanganeria as a simple desire that she had was fulfilled by our beloved Parabrahma in the most unexpected way! Read on and enjoy how the desire was fulfilled through this story in Chapter 8 of Mohanji Sacharita.
I have known Baba (Mohanji) for the last 2 years, and my life has changed dramatically for the better. I have found my path, my guide and feel more connected to my soul.
One day while watching Mohanji’s video on Shiva and Shivaratri, I decided to get a Shiva lingam (The lingam is the form symbol or the visible symbol of God, that which reminds us of the Omnipotent Lord, which is formless) for the auspicious day. I wanted to get it from Tarkeshwar, a well-known Shiva temple 2 hours away from Kolkata since I was planning to go there.
However, just days before Shivaratri, my husband had some work in Varanasi and asked me to join in as well. I jumped at this fabulous opportunity to visit the holiest of all Shiva temples – Kashi Vishwanath and decided to get my Shiva lingam from there. I asked Mohanji mentally if it would be possible to meet Him there? The answer was affirmative which I felt in my heart, and that made me more ecstatic.
On the auspicious day of Shivaratri, standing in front of Kashi-Vishwanath temple, I surrendered to Mohanji. I hugged Nandi (the Bull-vehicle of Lord Shiva) tightly outside the sanctum and was overtaken with an intense feeling of love and bliss. As I stepped inside the sanctum, I was overwhelmed with emotions, love for all, and bliss once again. With Mohanji’s grace, all this was possible. After the beautiful darshan, I was also able to purchase a Shiva lingam.
One more event took me by surprise on this trip! My husband and I decided to go to Prayagraj for a dip in the Triveni Sangam (confluence of three rivers), which was completely unplanned. What more could I ask for on this auspicious day? It was beyond my wildest dreams!!! I kept looking for Mohanji throughout the trip but could not find Him.
While returning, I silently asked Him that He did not meet me as promised, and voila! I got a reply. In that silent moment, it struck me that He did meet me. He is Kashi Vishwanath, He is Shiva!
I was again flooded with the beautiful feeling of love and bliss that I had during the darshan of the Shiva lingam at Kashi Vishwanath Temple. I also remembered the lines from the Mohanji aarati, “Vishwanath dharate hain dhyan, sharan hain tumhari” (Lord of the Universe, who is immersed in deep meditation, we surrender to you).
I now realize that He has not only shown me the path, He is the path and He is also the destination.
Words are not enough to express how I feel. Love you always Mohanji.
With total gratitude at your lotus feet.
“Shiva is beyond explanation, notion, understanding, or even awareness. Shiva is The Beyond. It has no comparisons, it has no boundaries, it is beyond dimensions. It is an experience that the experiencer dissolves completely into.
It is Shiva.” – Mohanji
|| JAI BRAHMARISHI MOHANJI||
Compiled, Edited & Published by – Testimonials Team, 11th May 2019
The views, opinions and positions expressed by the authors and those providing comments on these blogs are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or positions of Mohanji, Mohanji Foundation, it’s members, employees or any other individual or entity associated with Mohanji or Mohanji Foundation. We make no representations as to accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of any information presented by individual authors and/or commenters on our blogs and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries or damages arising from its display or use.
We reserve the right to delete, edit, or alter in any manner we see fit blog entries or comments that we, in our sole discretion, deem to be obscene, offensive, defamatory, threatening, in violation of trademark, copyright or other laws, of an express commercial nature, or otherwise unacceptable.
Suvarna Singh recounts the transformation in her life after connecting to Mohanji. She had tried to counter the heaviness of her emotions for many years. After she began to feel Mohanji’s compassion and love, her life changed dramatically. Read on to see how this happened.
The grace of Mohanji
by Suvarna Singh, South Africa
I bow to the feet of my Guru, my Saviour, my Father – Mohanji.
“I held you the day you were born.”
These were the words Mohanji uttered as I left my one-on-one session with Him in Shirdi, 2016.
Looking back at my life prior to meeting Him physically, I now know that He has held my hand, protecting me from the hedonistic life that I led.
My dad passed away when I was 5. Since then, life has been an emotionally turbulent ride. There was always a sadness looming in my heart. I’ve battled with depression from a young age. It is a numbness, a heaviness that I have felt most of my life. It loves to keep one stuck, stagnant and seemingly safe. Except that I did not realise that I was depressed, as I filled my life with parties and alcohol to keep the sadness at bay.
After my divorce in 2015, everything that I had suppressed since I was a girl came to the surface. I did not want to burden anyone with my feelings so l tried to cope by myself. Lost, empty and feeling very alone, I had become accustomed to certain emotions as it was all I had ever known. It had become normal. Lifeless…dead…debilitating.
Something needed to change. Enter Mohanji.
During the month of April 2016, my mum mentioned that a spiritual Master- Mohanji, would be visiting Durban for a program. I visited the Mohanji website but it did not spark my interest then. I wished my mum well and told her to enjoy the program. My mum experienced profound changes that year and started regularly attending the programs at the Datta Tapovan ashram in Durban.
Fast forward to September 2016, two weeks before my 37th birthday, I received a call from my mum. She mentioned that an appointment had been confirmed for a healing session for me with Swami Bhaktananda – Mohanji’s senior disciple. I was annoyed because I did not want to fly to Durban, but she urged me to come. I’m so grateful that she did – thank you, mummy.
My healing was so intense and scary – nothing had prepared me for that experience! I left the ashram feeling relieved, grateful and not a little confused. Later, I realised that Mohanji must have orchestrated everything. He knew I needed help. There is no other explanation.
The rest, as they say, is history. I found my strength, my guiding light…Mohanji.
By Mohanji’s grace, I travelled to Shirdi in December 2016 for “Being with Mohanji on the Trails of Sai Baba in Shirdi.” I had no knowledge of Shirdi Sai Baba and remember wondering what on earth I was doing there. This was my first physical interaction with Mohanji, and I had no idea what to expect. I was so nervous as I walked into the Ahimsa restaurant where Mohanji and His other devotees were seated. He greeted me with a warm smile and shared a chocolate brownie with all of us.
The 12 days in Shirdi were magical! I felt so alive! Mohanji knew that my connection with Shirdi Baba had been there all along. My heart expanded when I listened to the Shej aarati (the night aarati) at Dwarkamai. For twelve days Mohanji showered us with love and kindness that I have never known in my life. It was an extraordinary experience and one I will never forget. Now, I am still annoyed with myself for not attending the program in April – a missed opportunity. I console myself with the thought that He knows when we are ready.
Within eight months of connecting to Mohanji, I had travelled not just to Shirdi but also to Kailash! I often asked myself what someone like me was doing in Kailash with Mohanji, and having dips in Mansarovar! It felt like a dream. At the same time, I know that all these events are through His grace. He sees me, not my mistakes.
Mohanji is incredibly unassuming. It is therefore difficult for us to comprehend the magnitude of who He really is. Do we realise the sacred union that we all share with Mohanji, with each other, with this path that we are so blessed to be on? 7.5 billion people on the planet and we are all connected to Him, whether we realise it or not.
He selflessly gives love and time to whoever needs it, anywhere in the world. My hope is that we never take His grace and love for granted.
The path, however, is not all plain sailing. This path of Shiva will test one, and I can say that I have been tested. Tests come in many different forms: family, friends, devotees, blogs and one’s ego. Who and what should one believe? I choose to believe in my own experiences.
I have had numerous tests. Most recently, in February 2019, after attending the Kumbh Mela retreat, I left India feeling angry, jealous, hurt, and everything else in-between. I arrived in South Africa with thoughts like “I don’t need this shit.” Only after I calmed down, did I pray to Mohanji about my foolishness, and thanked Him for every emotion I felt. He brought to light that I have not accepted myself fully. It is something that I am now working on. Mohanji often mentions that spending time with Him is not as important as getting to know oneself. I realised that all the emotions that were triggered during this trip were for my growth. Mohanji knows what each one of us needs, and what is necessary for us to evolve.
Mohanji has taught me that I chose each experience in this life – the depression, my family, every interaction and every emotion. As challenging as it seems at times, I hold on tight to my connection with Him, knowing He is with me at all times. He is my sunshine when there are dark days. He guides me and protects me without asking anything of me. I am almost embarrassed by my faith, but I know that He is holding my hand and that He has given me the tools to live this life with awareness. I know that He held me the day I was born.
Now, I feel there is much work to do and no time to waste. I want to be free from all these samskaras (latent karmic tendencies) so that I can be useful in this world. Please keep an eye out on my Facebook profile for more of my future experiences.
Jai Mohanji …I love you, Mohanji.
|| JAI BRAHMARISHI MOHANJI||
Compiled, Edited & Published by – Testimonials Team, 2nd May 2019
The views, opinions and positions expressed by the authors and those providing comments on these blogs are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or positions of Mohanji, Mohanji Foundation, it’s members, employees or any other individual or entity associated with Mohanji or Mohanji Foundation. We make no representations as to accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of any information presented by individual authors and/or commenters on our blogs and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries or damages arising from its display or use.
We reserve the right to delete, edit, or alter in any manner we see fit blog entries or comments that we, in our sole discretion, deem to be obscene, offensive, defamatory, threatening, in violation of trademark, copyright or other laws, of an express commercial nature, or otherwise unacceptable.
This was a trip that everyone who accompanied me will remember in terms of its agonies and ecstasies. It was 16th February. We started after breakfast from Allahabad. Our first dip (Shahi Snan) at Maha Kumbh Mela was on 15th early morning, before 4AM.
On 16th, as we started for Ayodhya in a bus, the sky became dark as well as foggy and visibility became very poor. The driver was finding it difficult to drive. It was raining heavily. We almost decided to abandon our trip. Mohanji, as always was sitting at the first seat, just near the front door. Suddenly, we heard a thunder and lightning, almost simultaneously towards the left of us. Thunder and lightning together means danger is extremely near us. Mohanji also looked at that side. There was an old Hanuman temple towards our left and the thunder happened just above it. Immediately, Mohanji called Sumit and asked him and all else to chant Hanuman Chalisa. He himself started chanting. The whole bus chanted Hanuman Chalisa. Afterwards, We also chanted Hare Rama, Hare Krishna. Phaneedhar’s mother who was sitting at the adjacent seat to Mohanji, had visions of many saints and deities in Mohanji while he sang the chalisa. Sumit saw the way Hanumanji was pulling our bus out. I saw Hanumanji’s grace clearing things in our journey. The vision was succinct and divine. (I hope readers will remember the appearance of Hanumanji at Mohanji’s abode in Muscat when we were recording Hanuman Chalisa in Mohanji’s voice. Kindly refer to blog Lord Hanuman – A Great Miracle https://mohanjichronicles.wordpress.com/2011/02/13/lord-hanuman-%E2%80%93-a-great-miracle/).
With chanting of Hanuman Chalisa, soon, miraculously, the sky started clearing. We continued the journey. The darkness and fogdisappeared and the sky became clear, even though it was raining. Rain subsided to drizzle afterwards. We reached Ayodhya. We walked towards an old Hanuman temple. On the way, even though it was raining and the road was really dirty with the gutter spilling onto the road, we enjoyed the serenity of river Sarayu and also the old buildings that bordered it. Mohanji seemed so familiar with the place and was laughing and cracking jokes. We took many pictures too.
Deeply immersed in Hanuman Chalisa… with Mohanji
We reached the Hanuman Mandir and we were greeted by the old priest, a sincere devotee of Lord Hanuman. We assembled for the arathi at the Hanuman temple. This Hanuman idol appeared by itself and is said to be very powerful. They say, the saint who established this temple had meditated in Chitrakut Parvat.
There was another family apart from our group, sitting at the opposite side of us as we waited for the curtain to be lifted and arathi to begin. This family had organized the pooja. We sat for about 15 minutes and the curtain was lifted. Suddenly, two ladies who were sitting at the opposite side of Mohanji rushed towards Mohanji, pushed him to one side and stood at the entrance. In a way, that family stood in a circle at the entrance and obscured our view. Mohanji means subtlety. We know how well connected he is with Hanumanji. He stood on one side, even though he cannot see the arathi. Once the family had the flame as much as they wanted, Sumit took it from them and handed it over to Mohanji. Mohanji quickly performed the arathi and handed over to others. He was visibly not happy because the wicks had gone black and it is not auspicious to perform arathi with dying wicks.
In front of Hanumat Mandir in Ayodhya
Our path is not of insensitivity and violence. Mohanji is very much subtle and vulnerable. He is beyond the need for demonstrating any kind of bhakti to any god as he is deeply immersed in perpetual bhakti. Yet, it is important that we need to be aware about his subtlety, operating level and protect him from such gross insensitiveness. Mohanji even mentioned about this once or twice. “Why do people push, shout and scream at each other, fight with each other while in queue for the worship of their chosen God? God is Love. God is peace. Which God will be happy to see such devotees? Only through silence can you hear the footsteps of God”. We experienced a worse situation at Vindhyachal temple too. Entering into temple was tough due to rush. Everyone was pushing and shouting. There were fights in the queue. People would not even consider children. Standing in the queue and also after entering into the temple was so suffocating. We could barely stand on one foot and could hardly breathe! Protecting little Swasti and also Mohanji was a task. The priests even tried to extort Rs11000/- from Mohanji by trying to push him to commit to some special poojas. We literally ran away from those – excuse my expression – vultures. If you want peace, do not visit such temples that are so crowded. They were even creating artificial stampedes and commotion to extract money. Those who pay high are given preference!
Mohanji with a Saint during lunch at Hanumanji temple in Ayodhya
After the arathi at the Hanumanji temple, the kind priest invited all of us to share some divine offerings. Everything was called Prasad; puri prasad, pani (water) Prasad…. We had the most sumptuous food ever at the temple. It was delivered with deep love and respect. Many other elderly saints and some sadhus were prostrating at the feet of Mohanji. It was nice to see that natural recognition of people of Mohanji which I have been witnessing since last 4 months.
Prasad at Hanuman mandir, Ayodhya… Swamiji himself served so lovingly with prayers
Hanumanji Darshan at Ayodhya
After the food, when we came out, we saw Mohanji looking intently at an old man sitting with his back towards the sanctum sanctorum of the Hanumanji temple. Showing back to sanctum Sanctorum is very rare and considered to be disrespect under any circumstances. Mohanji was quietly communing with this man, who was sulking and looking down, and asked Sumit to go and touch his feet and give some dakshina. He also asked Sumit to take some pictures. (I must mention here that, even though most of us sport our camera, we often miss the most important opportunities for picture due to our insensitiveness. It is also very important to keep watching Mohanji’s subtle changes and act accordingly. He never warns anyone. He cannot, as it is always spontaneous. He radiates and responds purely according to the need of the hour or circumstances. As he always says “One must develop “eyes” to see”. But, this time, all of us clicked. Some pictures just did not appear at all, which we latter realized. But, many came. And we realized that this unassuming man, who quietly blessed all of us, with a distinct sadness on His face, was none other than Hanumanji himself. If you look closely, you will know. This is the second time that we are seeing Him up and close. And this is the first time that we could photograph him! The first time we saw him was at Pashupatinath temple at Kathmandu. We shall narrate that in the upcoming book “Kailas with Mohanji”. Palak, later communicates, “When I looked into Hanumanji’s eyes, that nano second gaze was so powerful and satisfying that he looked directly at my soul and not me. I became the soul and I just knew that was my Father. It is still with me”. Everyone was overwhelmed seeing him. The way Hanumanji was sitting was exceptional sight. He was sitting with head slightly down and hands humbly folded. His face had serenity but a strange quietness. When I saw him, the first thought in my mind was vision from Mahabharata epics… oh.. he is the one who sat on the road, spreading his tail across the road to block the road of Bheem. Bheem was going to pick up celestial flowers for Draupadi. Hanumanji was there to challenge Bheem’s ego of his strength.
Hanumanji- a true Bhakta!
Mohanji mentioned “Look at Him. He is sad. If Hanumanji is not happy, that means there is some problem with Ram. He is a true bhakta. Ram and his affairs always come first in his agenda. He always cares and protects Ram. Have you thought, what is Ramayana without Hanuman? A perfect bhakta who dissolved his doership and ego into his devotion and nullified himself in his dasboadh.(the awareness of being a servant of Lord)” We felt his sadness too. But, little did we realize at that time that we would indeed face that reality that caused Hanumanji’s sadness, head on, in the most possible rude manner, which any devotee can imagine!!
Spiritual morality has become the burden of the middle income group who are neither rich nor poor. …. the walk contineus
Ayodhya Ram Mandir
From this temple, we moved on to the Beautiful Kanak Mahal which Ram got as dowry while marrying Sita from King Janaka, guided and escorted by a young priest of the Hanuman temple, as instructed by the elderly priest. It was a lovely premise and we enjoyed our brief stay there. We were to visit the famous Ayodhya temple, Lord Ram’s birthplace. We were approaching the time of closing the temple so we rushed from Kanak Mahal to Lord Ram’s birthplace. It is under dispute because of the Babari Masjid issue. Neither Mohanji nor most of us were aware of the present sensitivities of this place. The problems of being abroad for too long perhaps! Our only intention was to step in and worship at the birth place of one of the greatest avatars of Maha Vishnu. But, once again, we were asked to remove most of the stuff that we were carrying due to security reasons and hence Dheeman, one of our team members opted out of this pilgrimage to take care of our belongings and stayed at a place for that. This was just a beginning.
Though tough, it is important to walk the Path of Purity and Surrender. Devotion and Faith will bring the GRACE… Mohanji
Our body was checked at almost 10 other locations. Everyone had to walk through closed iron fence, the same that you would see in abattoirs in foreign countries where they drive cattle to their death. Similarly, through interconnected steel fences, there was hardly sufficient space for two people to walk shoulder to shoulder, the guards forced us to walk shoulder to shoulder. They would push and shout at us. There was no separate route for males and females. They pushed us from outside the fence. I was wondering how we can rescue someone who had a heart attack or even dizziness, because the winding steel cage structure had absolutely no opening to go out. It was even covered from the roof, rather welded in. And their language was also abusive. One of our team members were told that she would be beaten up if not moved forward faster. When she asked where to move as there were people ahead of her, the guard standing outside said, “push them”. Such humiliation does not suit any place of worship. At least they should make more comfortable queuing areas, appoint more civilized guards, and respect pilgrims. At the sanctum sanctorum, also we were pushed. No chance of even a glance at it. Utter disrespect towards the pilgrims. What a rich tradition of tolerance have sheltered us always! What is happening today? Who has the right to treat the devotees in this order? Whose responsibility is that, we ourselves or the elected government? Are these administration of insensitiveness delivered by the government whom the people have elected through vote and entrusted India with? All people have the right to worship their chosen God or Guru. All people are born free. They can live free too. Nobody has the right to inflict controls, pains and fear on anyone. Nobody has the right to abuse innocent pilgrims of any religion. Pilgrims should be respected. They should be allowed the freedom of prayer. No pilgrim of any religion can be treated this way. Thought were flowing…
Mohanji said “Now you know why Hanumanji is sad! Pilgrims are ill-treated, abused and condemned. This is injustice. When adharma happens, destruction will happen. We can expect many calamities. Insensitiveness will breed anger, hatred, frustration and calamities. Man is allowed his free will. They have to correct themselves. They have to preserve dharma. They have to do it themselves. If they could not, destruction from higher order will happen. Destruction of consciousness of the lower. The lower will sink down to the lowest.”
The bliss in rains
Tremendous rains made us wet. The tears of the nature! We cried! We were waiting at the outside temple. It was almost 7pm by then. How would we walk in such heavy rains to our bus? No transport was available. But, Nandita walked far away alone to look for transport and she got it. Meanwhile Sumit fetched plastic rain covers for all of us. Thanks to their care and efforts. Later, Mohanji also visited a Hanuman temple close to the Ram’s birth place along with a couple of others. This temple was 82 steps high. There, Mohanji was honored with a garland by the priests. We came back to Allahabad, relieved to have escaped from Ayodhya. Perhaps this is the feeling that the government wanted to create in every pilgrim who visits Ayodhya. Perhaps the government does not want pilgrims to return back to Ayodhya. Mosques were constructed exactly over the spots of the birth place of Krishna and Rama, the two great avatars of the tradition of India, by Mughal rulers. This was their style of demoralising the worshippers and pushing them to convert to their faith. But, today, we are supposed to be in a more civilised and tolerant society. We are supposed be respecting the faith of everyone. Yet, what we saw at Ayodhya will wrench the heart of any pilgrim or even a person with no faith in anything at all. This is a clear demonstration of insensitiveness, ruthless contempt towards human kind – let alone pilgrims, and a clear sign of a lack of respect for human rights! Rain, water and slush welcomed us at Allahabad. Yet, we were happy to be back in our tents. We expected the torrential rains to have drenched our beds and belongings, yet it had not done much damage to our materials. This is divine grace indeed.
Ravi’s narration of Hanuman Garhi temple
Ravi from Muscat was with us. Ayodhya visit in his words, “First, a little backgrounder- The moment I learnt about the Maha Kumbh plan, I wanted to go to Ayodhya! However, the plan was to go to Vindhyachal and Varanasi, and not Ayodhya. Ayodhya was one of the 7 holy cities in India where Moksha could be attained, and the only one where I had not been to! I did a lot of research on the net to see if there was any chance of a day trip, but later, by the grace of God & our Guru, it spontaneously became part of our itinerary!
Our trip to Ayodhya was blessed by Lord Indra, the rain God, who welcomed us to Ayodhya with great fervor. We walked across the beautiful Sarayu river, lined with ancient Ghats, and made our way to Shri Hanuman Katha Mandap and the Hanumat Niwas Temple, where we had a very memorable experience. Later, after a sumptuous Prasad, we made our way to a few more temples, notable amongst them being “Kanak Bhavan” and the “Sri Ram Janm Bhoomi Temple” By the time we re-assembled at the Luv-Kush Temple after the staggered Darshan, most of us were wet in varying intensities.
There are two great temples in Ayodhya, the Ram Janma bhoomi one, which we had seen, and the Hanuman Garhi Temple, which I deeply wanted to see. But I was also aware of the time since we were already late and might reach Allahabad early next morning only, as it was. Rains were heavy too. Only one Tempo (A large auto-rickshaw) could be arranged, and we would need to wait for the same person to ferry us all in groups. After some creative Rain gear courtesy Sumit & Co, we all trooped out of the Luv-Kush Temple to make our way back to the bus waiting on the other side of the Saryu River.
As luck would have it, there were a few people left in the last batch, including Mohanji himself! We had sought shelter from the pouring rain at a sweet shop, while waiting for the Tempo to arrive. I casually asked Mohanji whether he had noticed that there were a lot of sweet shops where we were. He smiled and then nodded. I told him there were about 200 sweet shops in this one lane (I had asked a sweet-shop owner). I further asked if he noticed that the only sweet these shops seemed to stock were Laddoos! He seemed surprised and asked why- the moment I had been waiting for!!! I said it is because of the famous Hanuman Garhi Temple here” – As Prasad for Hanumanji.
The rain seemed to lighten a bit, and a group of pilgrims asked me for directions to the temple. When Mohanji asked where the Temple was, I said right in front of us- barely a few meters from where we had taken refuge, up a steep flight of 80 odd steps. Guruji, knowing my deep desire to have darshan of Hanumanji here, said with a mischievous glint in his eye ” Ho Jayegaa” in his best Hindi!!! I had the biggest smile on my face, this side of the Sarayu!
We literally ran up the flight of steps and had a most wonderful darshan of Bal Hanuman (Hanumanji as a child) with Mata Anjani. Hanumaji is believed to live here and take care of Ramkot and Ayodhya. The Priest also honored Mohanji with a Garland. A quick photograph, and we made our way back to the sweet shop. My strong desire for Hanumanji’s darshan at Hanuman Garhi was at last fulfilled. Narinder Mamaji and I then went to arrange for some tea and snacks and we all were in time for the final ferry by our friendly neighborhood Tempo-wallah to the waiting bus! We left for Allahabad at 10 pm. Shashank got warm shawls for us. Big thanks Shashank! With dinner at dhaba with hot tandoors and dal, we reached early next morning, in time for a soul-stirring Rath Saptami Snan with Mohanji at the holy Sangam at Brahma Muhurtam , but then that is another story………
We always believed in love and kindness. We believe in unity. All are one. None is higher or lower in the eyes of God and true Gurus.
Mohanji’s expression
After the bitter experience of “extortion at Vindhyachal temple”, we skipped many intended temples on the way and arrived at Varanasi by afternoon of 18th. This reminds me of Mohanji’s words, “The deterioration of Hindu culture is obvious in our temples. Greedy priests who extort money from insecure pilgrims threatening curses on their family! Politicians manage temples and its coffers. Thus, priests control people and politicians control temples. In the past, temples ensured even and justified distribution of wealth amongst the poor and the deities were regarded as the real kings by the rulers of the land and they surrendered their wealth and kingdom to their favorite deities of the temples. Temples were respected. And so was the wealth of the temples. Today, there is no reverence. There is no devotion. Devotion does exist, in a degenerated way – as fear of retribution. Fear is used by the priests to control people. Sins are over-emphasized to extort money. Look at our grand tradition where nobody bound anybody. Our only aim was liberation from the birth-death cycle. All Gurus were guiding mankind in that path, through their own examples, where fear does not exist in any form. Reverence, gratitude and unconditional love existed. Morality has become the burden of the middle-income group who are neither rich nor poor. Law does not affect the rich. Money talks and even controls law. Politicians care nothing about the country or people’s sentiments. The rich and the poor lead their life the way they want and get away with whatever they do. But, they do scandalizes minor offences and pretend to be the watchdogs of the social order! Morality is upheld for political advantage’s sake. Otherwise, we do not care about it. People believe that morality is for the others, not for themselves. A boy who marries his sweetheart against the will of the society is punished while politicians seduce unsuspecting subjects and gets away with it. Saints are scandalized for political gains. Places of worship are demolished for political gains. Such double standards, adharma and injustice have taken deep roots in our society. Dharma, or pure duty is missing. Negative forces are running the temples of our favorite deities. Otherwise, such abuse and extortion cannot take place. Such abuse and violence cannot take place. We believe in Non-violence. We believe in brotherhood. Motherhood is missing. India never attacked any country ever. India was attacked and looted by many. We welcomed and adapted everyone, everything. We always believed in love and kindness. We believe in unity. All are one. None higher or lower in the eyes of God and true Gurus”.
“Mankind is very much in the grip of negative forces. It is important for man to see the truth. It is important to walk the path of purity and brightness. It is important to stay away from seeming negative patterns and forces. Once trapped, always trapped. It is a vicious circle. They lure you back with fear. Fear binds. Fear disables. Be fearless. No God is depended on your paltry contribution. No true guru needs your money or wealth. They need nothing from you. They never bind you. Whatever binds you even remotely is of the lower order. The “White” path of purity never binds you or suffocates you. Period.”
Love everyone. .. unconditionally .. Mohanji
How can we make a positive difference? Mohanji suggests “Have faith in goodness, kindness, compassion and all that expands our heart. Do not be disappointed with expressions of greed, enmity, hatred, jealousy, lie, treachery, cheat, cruelty, deceit and conceit. Be the change that you want to see outside of you. Lead by example. Live your highest truth. Let your life be your real message. Do not preach. Do not fight. Protect dharma. Defend the decay of dharma. Love mother earth and all its children. Change attitudes using the weapon of love”.
“Greed and competition has become an integral part of our education system, our very upbringing. Trust that if we are born, we are provided for. Needs are definitely met by mother earth herself, not our greed which is unending! Yet, we do not demonstrate tolerance in life. None are tolerant to the other. We are not teaching our children the true values of Life and Unconditional God. We are not giving them experiences as to how it feels when we express unconditional love. There are no role models to look at. The word “seva” or selfless service has degenerated to the level where canvassing people for a course or program are termed as seva. There is no selflessness in it. This would only amount to one’s compulsory service towards a cult or guru that binds them. All our silver screen heroes are angry people who wage wars and destruction. Creativity is for profits. Nobody cares about conscience. Nobody teaches the children to respect one’s conscience. Nobody consciously educates their children not to lie, not to conceal a bad tendency, not to cheat or to steal; or not to hurt another through thoughts, words or action. It is time for a fundamental shift. It is time for a metamorphosis. If that does not happen, re-creation will have to happen anyways. That would need demolition before re-creation. There is no time to repair”
The magnificent arati of Maa Ganga at Banaras
Banaras
If you are born a Hindu, at least once you should visit Kashi, the ultimate temple of Lord Shiva. Mohanji and the group traveled to Kashi and had the early morning darsan of the great Kashi Vishwanath. Mohanji also did abhishek of Vibhooti on the Kashi Viswanath ling. It was a great experience. We also witnessed the divine play of two monkeys appearing, waiting as still as a statue and leaving the place as soon as Mohanji left. One saint in thick matted hear, kamandalu and rudraksh appeared and gave us Shaktipat. The priests spontaneously gave Mohanji a crown of flowers, without anyone introducing Mohanji to them. Even in Kashi temple, the crowd was controlled by policemen. There were no seva volunteers or devotees performing the task. This is the sad state of all our temples.
At the banks of Ganga in Banaras
It would be inappropriate if we end our travelogue without thanking our dear hosts Dr. Jayant and Mrs Nupur Mathur. They arranged a boat ride to witness the evening Ganga Arathi where we saw the spectacle from the water. The boat took us through the bathing ghats and had a beautiful view from the river. We also had dinner onboard the boat. The next day, we visited the Sankat Mochan Hanuman temple too. A beautiful and peaceful temple indeed! The temple opened our hearts. Hanumanji temples are growing in numbers all over the world, perhaps more than Sri Rama temples. People are connecting to Hanumanji much more. Sri Rama blessed Hanumanji for his unfailing devotion and surrender. “In the kalyug, more people will worship you than me. They will reach me through you”.
In the boat at Banaras Ghats
We had lunch at Dr. and Mrs Mathur’s place and departed for New Delhi by the evening train. This train was supposed to reach New Delhi at 7.30AM, ran 5 hour late and reached at 12.30 which jeopardized Mohanji’s programs a lot. That was also the day of Bharat Bandh. Yet, he wasted no time. Took bath, changed and reached an hour late to address the students of the Sri Ram College of Commerce in Delhi University. It was a rapid fire one hour question and answer session. And straight from there, we went to the Lodhi Road Ramanashram for the evening program. It was a packed program and went on till late in the evening. We retired by midnight of 20th.
In 2010, for the Hardwar Kumbh Mela, Mohanji and Biba went alone. This time, Mohanji had 40 of us accompanying him. We witness the crowd steadily increasing around him. Yet, he ensured that everyone got what they desired for. All went back home happy and contended. A true selfless master cares nothing for himself and ensures proper attention is given to all his followers. None are abandoned. We could see a distinct difference in each one’s face from the time they came and the time they left. A distinct mark of satisfaction and fulfillment!
Hanumanji at Dhoumya Rishi temple near Datta Tapovan, Mohanji’s Ashram in Wai, Maharashtra, India
As I completed writing and editing this blog, believe me, Nilkanth from Pune sent me this picture of Hanumanji. This idol of Hanumanji is from the Dhoumya Rishi’s temple near Datta Tapovan, Mohanji’s ashram in Wai, Maharashtra, India. Dhoumya Rishi is Guru of Pandvas (Mahabharat epic) and this temple was built by Pandvas on the bank of Krishna river. Recently when Mohanji was in Ashram, Mohanji and Nilkanth visited this temple. Nilkanth had taken this photo then. It is idol made up of 5 metals (panchadhatu). The day of preparing blog was full of grace of Hanumanji. Few other incidences also happened. I bow to the Divine Grace. My humble prostrations and surrender at Mohanji’s lotus feet.
Next, I am taking you to our visit to Shani Shinganapur and then to Shirdi on Mohanji’s birth day.
Love and regards,
Deepali
The Perfect Witness who silently enjoys His Creation!
Everyone will agree with me that something attracts one to Mohanji. It could be his energy, his consciousness, his penetrating eyes, his unconditional love for all, his genuinity, his spontaneity, his sense of humor, his bluntness, his honesty, his compassion, his insights on spirituality, truthfulness, display of anger, or just his mere presence. Mohanji is a mystery to many. Many people think they know Mohanji and gets totally confused when they discover that the man whom they thought they knew is beyond their understanding. Many people have left him, disillusioned because of their own reasons or Mohanji’s plain simplicity. Mohanji hardly displays his true potential. He gives one only what he or she needs or deserves. That may confuse many. Where is the so-called enlightenment? Where are the altered states of existence? Then, one must ask oneself. “Do I have the eyes to see it, even if it is displayed in front of me?” It is our inability and not his. He expresses himself or his true nature all the time, masked in simplicity. He does deliver his promises. We fail to see.
Who is Mohanji? What is his consciousness? I sincrely pray, let me have those eyes to see Him.
I am connecting to Mohanji’s consciousness and writing this. May dear Mohanji write through me! May I be used as his mouth piece to narrate our experiences at Maha Kumbh Mela and beyond.
Maha Kumbh Mela 2013. I had the privilege of being with Mohanji and 40 others to enjoy the holy dips on three auspicious days at Allahabad, India in February 2013. We arrived at Allahabad on 14th morning. We took dips on three auspicious days such as 15th(Vasant Panchami), 17th (Ratha Saptami) and 18th(Durgashtamai). All at Brahma Muhurtha between 3-4 am along with Mohanji! What else could we ask for?
May I take this opportunity to narrate a few of the incidents that happened during this time. The first is a revelation about Mohanji which another saint disclosed for our understanding. This made us get a better view of the unassuming saint who walks and talks to us and often we take for granted!
We had stayed at ISCKON tents in Allahabad. Morning of 17 Feb 2013, Bala Sai walked into Mohanji’s tent at Kumbh Mela along with another saint and his 11 odd disciples. The saint who accompanied Bala Sai was connected to Gorakhnath Baba of Nath tradition. Gorakh Babaji enters his body and starts to speak. As all the visitors assembled inside the tent and made themselves comfortable, this saint requested permission to click a picture with Mohanji. Mohanji agreed and they stood together for the picture. Mohanji put his hand partially hugging the saint and suddenly the saint shivered, went into a trance and started talking to him. Soon after the picture, he said, “I would like to talk about Mohanji” and he started talking about Mohanji in “Pali” Language sitting on his chair. Later, as suggested by Bala Sai, he sat down on the rug between the cots. Mohanji also sat down in front of him, facing him. Then, he disclosed the truth of Mohanji’s existence in a classy Tamil verse. The translation is given below.
Quote,
“This place is miraculous and this time is more miraculous. Lord Shiva is here with mother Amba present to talk to this child. Who do you think this is who sits here? He is descended from the lineage of Gorakha, many births having served Shiva, bound to his feet. This child here now and he is at many places working many things. Shiva is here and mother Amba is here, my child; and we have come to let you know some things through this body. He is blessed Siddha of Shiva, Gorakha Himself. He will serve material life in a small village in Tamilnadu. He will attain a tremendous light body / energy body in a short time. In this place you are Mohanan, and you are blessed with tremendous powers, and these come to you from Lord Datta Himself and Gorakha coming from many births of serving Shiva; hence blessed abundantly by Him. Many blessings come to you from, mother Anasuya. Many miracles are due to happen yet to you, through you, by His grace. Where ever you go, there will be prosperity, and grace. Whichever holy place or enterprise you even think of with your mind, will become glorious, prosperous and full of grace. This Gorakha is telling you. You have done many great miracles in your previous births and this birth and there are many more to come. Due to the merits you have accumulated, this is your final birth and in this birth in the latter half of your life you are / will be working with glorious golden body of light, no longer gross body. This will be shown with great many miracles, blessings, and grace which will flow through you. This is what Gorakha and the blessed Datta and Shiva Shakti tells you and we bless you, ending this. You know all.”
Unquote
He started calling Mohanji “Son of Shiva”, and at one point Gorakhnath Babaji said “He is Myself”. This was an overwhelming experience for all who were present. After this revelation, he went on talking about Sumit, Shashank, Ravi, Palak and many others. He revealed further about Mohanji while talking to them and he also explained why it is extremely important for them to stay with deeper faith with Mohanji. He said you all here with Mohanji to have Mukti (Liberation). He also spoke about Mohanji’s ashram “Datta Tapovan”. He mentioned that “Millions of Siddhas” will come and stay and work in the ashram, once Mohanji moves in there. Lot of Annadhan will happen. Many people will come here and serve. He also mentioned that both Maharshi Atri and Mata Anasuya (Parents of Lord Datta) will be present in the ashram. That place would become a major Saktisthal (place of power), where people will get benefitted even as they step in.
When experience is given, heart knows the truth.
Just a day earlier, some of us were discussing and contemplating if we are sharing our experiences with Mohanji at all, or if it is needed at all. With this experience from Gorakh Babaji, we had no doubt left in our minds that it is important for us to share our experiences or else the world will miss some deep truths of human existence. We are just doing the world a big seva by telling, guiding, instilling hope and vouching that there are numerous dimensions to our existence and many stay hidden due to our own mental blockage. It is important to share; never know which mind would open up to truth and larger realities.
Evolve spiritually with laughter… spirituality is not to make one’s life serious….. Mohanji
The three dips that we took during Brahma Muhurth were amazing and refreshing too. We walked from our tents at the ISKCON campus. Ghats were roughly 2 and a half km away. Interestingly, our tents were in an area demarcated and called as “Bilwa Vana” or the forest of Bilwa, the favorite plant of Shiva! An apt abode for Mohanji and his children! While walking towards the bathing ghats, most of us found it difficult to catch up with Mohanji’s pace. He was walking or rather floating in great speed. Indeed, “Beat the tamas by embracing rajas”. For some of us, it was too difficult to shed the comfort of a thick cozy blanket and walk towards freezing cold water on a foggy cold morning at 2.30 am. This was the test! Most of us dared the objections of our tamasic mind and got over their inertia and Mohanji, as always, led by example.
Walk to the ghat for dip at early morning 2.30am in Alahabad… We were contineously chanting aloud while walking. That speed, the energy, the deep desire for dip and faith on the consciousness… undescribable..
Sumit always ensured our path is right and directly towards the bathing ghats without any detour. Once we took the dip, all the fear and apprehensions of cold and cold itself went away and many of us, who intended to take 9 dips ended up much more, lovingly and willingly. Many of us actually experienced a tremendous purification, burdens of our past removed and also a shift in our awareness. It is the faith and surrender with which we take the dip that is important. Dip should not be a mechanical act! We have to shed our comfort zones to evolve.
Shashank’s 80 year old father was a striking example of determination. Shashank and his brother held him on both sides, he walked all the way to ghats and he had his lifetime experience. He was fully satisfied. All those who came were happy and completely satisfied, in their own way.
At Maha Kumbh Mela, after the holy dip
While at Kumbh, apart from the visit of Bala Sai, Gorakh Baba and their disciples, Mohanji also met Paramahamsa Nithyananda, Swami Vishwananda, Swami Srila Navayogendra Maharaj of ISKCON and the loving mother Kunti Mata from Jammu, apart from many seers, saints and sadhus that we kept encountering. Paramahamsa Nithyananda, Mohanji and Swami Vishwananda also had dinner together on 14th evening.
Mohanji with Srila Navayogendra Swamiji Maharaj from ISCKON Jammu, India. Both had a meeting during Mohanji’s Kumbh Mela visit in February 2013
Mohanji and our whole group also visited Vihangam Yoga ashram in Allahabad. We were served a sumptuous lunch at the ashram. Mohanji and all of us were lovingly received and honored by Sant Namdeoji Maharaj, the son of Saint Swtantradeoji Maharaj. There were beautiful discourses and introductions to Vihangam Yoga by the acharyas. Finally, Sant Swtantradeoji Maharaj himself came in, hugged and honored Mohanji. Mohanji explained that he felt at home and he felt deeply humbled by their genuine love and sincerity.
Mohanji’s meeting with Paramhamsa Nityananda and Swami Vishwananda during Mohanji’s Kumbh yatra in Feb 2013
Earlier, Sant Swatantradeoii Maharaj, Sant Namdeoji Maharaj and Sant Pravar Shri Vigyandeoji Maharaj had visited Oman in October 2012. Mohanji had received them at the airport and later, they had dinner at his place. Sant Swatantradeoji Maharaj also initiated Mohanji and Biba in three levels of Vihangam Yoga, at Mohanji’s home in Oman. Mohanji says “I feel deeply honored by this loving gesture of the guru, the grandson of the great master Anant Sadguru Sadafaldeoji Maharaj, visiting my humble abode and doing us this honor”. Mohanji prostrated at his feet in gratitude. Sri Namdeoji Maharaj, in his speech mentioned about Mohanji as a perfect example of egolessness. And he mentioned his experience when he saw Mohanji at Muscat airport in jeans and T shirt – totally unassuming and never caring about his image, stature or looks. He said that only a person who has crossed over the boundaries of his ego can be so careless about his image or what people will think about him. Mohanji is a perfect example of a true guru of modern times; he walks his talk and he walks the same earth where too much pretensions and image making are indeed happening.
Mohanji lovingly received and honored by Sant Namdeoji Maharaj, the son of Sant Swatantra Deo Ji Maharaj at Vihangam Yoga Centre at Allahabad.
Mohanji humbly accepts honor from Sadguru Swatatradeoji Maharaj, Head of Vihangam Yoga Center, Allahabad
Mohanji addressed the gathering with few words, but, he indeed mentioned about his sorrow in seeing competition among spiritual leaders. He said, “Kumbh Mela should be a platform for unification. Everyone should come together for the welfare of the world. We have 7 Billion people to take care, elevate, and show the true light of God. True saints can never have insecurities. There should be no competition. Those who are of the highest elevation cannot have dualities. It is time to preserve dharma, beyond individual egos”. Mohanji spoke the same thing to all the saints and acharyas whom he met at Maha Kumbh Mela.
This was Maha Kumbh Mela which happens only after 144 years. We were indeed lucky to have attended it – that too with Mohanji. I feel, even though we have been with him, hearing, talking, touching and feeling him almost always, we are yet to “KNOW HIM”. We are yet to know his consciousness. He behaves ordinary. He easily conceals his true identities. He laughs and makes others laugh and slips past. He gives something small and escapes and expects you to realize it and get back to him to claim the higher that he is indeed capable of giving. He needs to be explored, quite patiently. These were the thoughts of many of us who traveled with him to Maha Kumbh Mela and to Ayodhya and Banares.
Many events and visits have happened in last 6 months. We were continuously on the move, and times were so demanding that could write about those events. Next blog that follows is about visit to Ayodhya and Banares.
Experiences With Mohanji 